How to Fakie 360 Flip | Online Skateboard Lessons

Ah, the fakie 360 flip. It’s the trick that’s cooler than a popsicle on a hot summer day and as complex as your grandma’s famous secret recipe. Whether you’re cruising down the streets of Los Angeles, hitting up Venice Beach, or just trying to impress your friends at the local skatepark, learning the fakie 360 flip is a game-changer. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know to conquer this trick and explain how Coyote Skate & Surf School can help you get there with expert skateboard lessons.

What is a Fakie 360 Flip?

Before you jump into the nitty-gritty, let’s break down what a fakie 360 flip actually is. Imagine you’re skating fakie (which means riding backwards with your front foot leading). Now, combine that with a 360 shove-it (where the board spins 360 degrees) and a kickflip (where the board flips over itself). Voilà! You’ve got yourself a fakie 360 flip. It’s like your board and body are throwing a wild dance party, and you’re the star of the show.

Key Components of a Fakie 360 Flip

1. Fakie Stance: Riding backwards with your front foot leading.

2. 360 Shove-it: Spinning the board 360 degrees with a scoop.

3. Kickflip: Flipping the board with your front foot.

4. Timing and Coordination: Synchronizing the spin, flip, and your body’s rotation.

Prerequisites: Building Your Foundation

Before you can nail the fakie 360 flip, you’ll need to be comfortable with a few basic tricks:

1. Fakie Ollie: Mastering this will give you the confidence to pop the board while riding fakie.

2. Fakie Kickflip: This trick will help you get a feel for flipping the board while riding backwards.

3. 360 Shove-it: Essential for understanding the board’s spin.

4. Fakie Bigspin: This trick combines the fakie stance with a 360 shove-it and a 360 body rotation, which will help you transition to the fakie 360 flip.

Preparing Your Skateboard Setup

Just like a chef needs the right utensils, you need the right skateboard setup to pull off a fakie 360 flip. Here’s how to get your gear ready:

1. Deck Size: Choose a medium-sized deck (7.75" to 8.25") for a good balance of control and stability.

2. Grip Tape: Make sure your grip tape is fresh and grippy. You don’t want your board slipping out from under you!

3. Trucks: Adjust your trucks to a comfortable tightness. Too loose, and you might wobble; too tight, and you’ll struggle with the spin.

4. Wheels: Medium-sized wheels (50mm to 54mm) are perfect for street skating and help with flips and spins.

Foot Placement and Body Position

Getting your foot placement and body position right is crucial for executing a fakie 360 flip. Here’s how to set up:

Foot Placement

1. Front Foot: Place your front foot on the nose of the board with your toes hanging off slightly. This will help with the kickflip motion.

2. Back Foot: Position your back foot near the tail of the board, angled slightly to assist with the scoop.

Body Position

1. Shoulders: Keep your shoulders aligned with the board. They should follow the direction of the spin.

2. Knees: Bend your knees to prepare for the pop and spin.

3. Head: Look straight ahead and focus on the nose of the board.

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Fakie 360 Flip

Step 1: Setup and Approach

Start by riding fakie at a comfortable speed with your feet in the correct positions. Find a flat, smooth surface to practice on. Make sure you’re feeling confident and relaxed. No pressure—except the one you put on the board!

Step 2: Pop the Nollie

1. Pop the Nose: Use your front foot to pop the nose of the board up firmly. This will get the board off the ground and initiate the flip.

2. Scoop with the Back Foot: As you pop the board, use your back foot to scoop the board in a 360-degree motion. This will start the spin.

Step 3: Execute the Kickflip

1. Flick with the Front Foot: As the board rises, slide your front foot up towards the nose and flick it outwards to start the kickflip. This action will make the board flip over.

Step 4: Rotate Your Body

1. Begin the Body Rotation: As you initiate the spin and flip, start rotating your body 180 degrees in the backside direction. Your shoulders will lead this rotation.

Step 5: Catch the Board

1. Spot the Board: Keep your eyes on the board as it flips and spins beneath you. This will help you catch it at the right time.

2. Catch with Your Back Foot: As the board completes its spin and flip, aim to catch it with your back foot to stabilize it before landing.

Step 6: Land and Roll Away

1. Land with Both Feet: Bend your knees to absorb the impact and make sure both feet are over the bolts for stability.

2. Roll Away Smoothly: Maintain your balance and roll away smoothly, basking in the glory of your successful fakie 360 flip!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Learning the fakie 360 flip can come with its fair share of hiccups. Here are some common problems and how to tackle them:

Problem 1: Incomplete Spin or Flip

Solution: Focus on your scoop and flick techniques. Make sure you’re giving enough force with your back foot to complete the 360-degree spin and enough flick with your front foot to complete the flip.

Problem 2: Board Flipping Away

Solution: Check your foot placement and body alignment. Ensure your shoulders are aligned with the board and your flick is directed towards the nose.

Problem 3: Not Completing the Body Rotation

Solution: Practice backside 180s separately to get comfortable with the rotation. Use your shoulders to lead the rotation and keep your body aligned.

Problem 4: Landing Off-Balance

Solution: Maintain your balance by keeping your weight centered over the board. Bend your knees to absorb the landing impact and practice rolling away smoothly.

How Coyote Skate & Surf School Can Help

Learning a complex trick like the fakie 360 flip can be much easier with expert guidance. That’s where Coyote Skate & Surf School comes in. Located in Los Angeles, we offer personalized skateboard lessons that cater to your skill level and learning style.

Why Choose Coyote Skate & Surf School?

1. Experienced Instructors: Our team of seasoned skateboarders are passionate about teaching and dedicated to helping you master your tricks.

2. Tailored Lessons: We provide lessons customized to your needs, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced skater.

3. Supportive Environment: At Coyote Skate & Surf School, we create a positive and encouraging environment where you can learn and grow.

4. Comprehensive Curriculum: Our lessons cover everything from basic techniques to advanced tricks like the fakie 360 flip. We offer structured lessons and practice sessions for effective learning.

5. Convenient Locations: With our skate school located in the heart of Los Angeles, including nearby Venice Beach and Santa Monica, you’ll have easy access to top skate spots and personalized instruction.

Benefits of Professional Skateboarding Lessons

1. Accelerated Learning: Expert guidance will help you learn tricks faster and more efficiently. Our instructors offer valuable tips and feedback to speed up your progress.

2. Improved Technique: We focus on refining your technique and addressing common mistakes. Personalized feedback will help you develop your skills and style.

3. Increased Confidence: As you master new tricks, your confidence on the board will soar. Our supportive environment encourages you to take risks and push your limits.

4. Safety and Injury Prevention: Our instructors prioritize safety and teach proper techniques to reduce the risk of injury. We emphasize the importance of protective gear and safe skateboarding practices.

Practice Drills and Exercises

To improve your fakie 360 flip consistency, incorporate these practice drills into your routine:

Fakie Ollie Practice

Work on your fakie ollies to build confidence in popping the board while riding backwards. Focus on keeping the board level and controlled.

Fakie Kickflip Drills

Practice fakie kickflips to get comfortable with flipping the board while riding fakie. Focus on flicking the board with your front foot.

360 Shove-it Exercises

Practice 360 shove-its separately to get a feel for the board’s spin. Pay attention to your back foot’s scooping motion.

Pop and Balance Exercises

Work on your pop and balance by performing ollies and nollies on flat ground. Maintain a consistent pop and work on landing smoothly.

Embrace the Journey

Mastering the fakie 360 flip is a rewarding journey that requires patience, persistence, and practice. Enjoy the process, celebrate your progress, and remember that every attempt gets you closer to nailing the trick. Whether you’re skating in Los Angeles, Venice Beach, or Santa Monica, the thrill of skateboarding and the endless possibilities it offers are worth every effort.